Flammable Liquids Storage Handling Proper handling and storage

Flammable Liquids Storage & Handling

Proper handling and storage of flammable liquids is important to eliminate dangers and prevent fires PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 2

Flammable liquids are liquids that have flashpoints at or below 199. 4 °F (93 °C) q. Flashpoint is the minimum temperature at which the liquid gives off vapors in a high enough concentration that it forms an ignitable mixture with the air near the surface of the liquid Some examples of flammable liquids include oil, gas, solvents, and kerosene PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 3

Flammable liquids are divided into four categories OSHA Flammable Liquid Categories Category 1 2 PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 Flashpoint Below 73. 4°F (23°C) Boiling Point At or Below 95°F (35°C) Above 95°F (35°C) 3 At or above 73. 4°F (23°C) and at or below 140°F (60°C) 4 Above 140°F (60°C) and at or below 199. 4°F (93°C) 4

Hazards include q. Explosions q. Fires Read the manufacturer’s label on the flammable liquid container before use PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 5

It is important that all workers involved in handling flammable liquids understand correct handling and storage requirements PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 6

Flammable liquid storage containers must meet OSHA’s design and construction requirements Only store flammable liquids in approved glass, plastic, or metal containers and portable tanks that have vapor tight, self-closing covers PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 7

OSHA Maximum Allowable Size of Containers and Portable Tanks for Flammable Liquids Container Type Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Glass or approved plastic 1 pt 1 qt 1 gal Metal (other than DOT drums) 1 gal 5 gal Safety cans 2 gal 5 gal Metal drums (DOT specifications) 60 gal Approved portable tanks 660 gal PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 8

Safety cans q Need to be an approved container of 5 gal or less q Must have a spring closing lid and spout cover, which safely relieves internal pressure when exposed to fire q Should have flame arrestors or filters in place PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 9

Flammable liquid storage cabinets must meet OSHA’s design and construction requirements PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 10

Inside storage rooms and warehouses used to store flammable liquids must be designed and constructed to meet OSHA’s requirements PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 11

It is very important not to store or use flammable liquids around an ignition source. Remember, it is the vapors that ignite – not the liquid itself. In locations where flammable vapors may be present, precautions must be taken to prevent ignition by eliminating or controlling sources of ignition PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 12

Sources of ignition may include q Open flames q Lightning q Smoking q Cutting and welding q Hot surfaces q Frictional heat PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 q Sparks (static, electrical, and mechanical) q Spontaneous ignition q Radiant heat q Chemical and physicalchemical reactions 13

Some safe work practices to help prevent the ignition of flammable liquids include q Keep flammable liquid storage areas free of open flames, hot work, smoking, and heat-producing devices q Use flammable liquid containers ONLY for their designated liquid – do NOT intermix containers q Keep flammable liquid containers closed when not in use q Always use the proper cap on containers – never use a rag in place of a lost cap q Only store compatible materials in the same room with flammable liquids PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 14

If a fire is started, remember, flammables will continue to burn even after the ignition source is removed. Make sure you know and follow your company’s emergency action plan. Fire control devices, such as small hose or portable fire extinguishers, must be available at locations where flammable liquids are stored PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 15

Know your company’s policy on whether or not you are allowed to attempt to put out fires Only attempt to put out a fire if you are trained and can do so safely PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 16

If not properly handled and stored, flammable liquids can be extremely dangerous. Always store flammable liquids in approved containers and be sure to check product labels and SDSs to make sure you know the proper precautions for working with flammable liquids. PPT-SM-FLS&H 2016 17